"The pleasure you get from a boat is generally reckoned to be in inverse proportion to its size. Go small, but go now".  ~ Anonymous

Well, try as I might I couldn't find a better way to explain why small boats are more fun than to refer you to this witty and astute essay on the subject by Moray McPhail at Classic Marine.  I urge you to read this if you are considering buying a boat or moving to a larger one: 

"Why Small Can Be Beautiful" by Moray McPhail

Ask yourself this question.  Why do I want a boat?  Here are some common answers.

1. To go sailing

2. To potter about on board fixing things and drinking coffee

3. To have fun and adventures

4. To meet people

5. To challenge myself

6. To impress people

7. To display my wealth and status (few are keen to admit this - but it's obvious in most large ports)

8. To get away from it all

9. To take the family round the corner at full speed for lunch at some over-priced bar.  (Why not buy a car?)

10. To pollute the environment (hell, I can afford to!).

11. I like being at sea. (not that common in the mediterranean these days).

Then ask yourself if having a bigger boat will help.

In short, small boats are cheaper in every respect, better for the environment, easier to handle and more convenient (one can single hand without difficulty).  But still people feel they must buy the biggest boat they can afford. Or think they can afford. Why?

If you think a smaller boat is less seaworthy than a bigger boat you should study boat design and seamanship. There is much more to it than size.  Sea worthiness is about design, construction and seamanship.  A very large steel ship is likely to be able to endure most storms. However, you won't get far if you leave port with the bow doors open.

If you think buying a bigger boat will take you further afield then consider some of the huge boats in marinas that never go further than the nearest bay. Then consider the number of small boats that have done major passages.

If you buy a 50 foot boat that's been shoddily built it's a lot less seaworthy than a well found 20 footer.  Take a look at the sea-cocks, are they built to last?  Are they properly installed?  A broken sea-cock will sink any ship.  Take a look at the rudder. What will happen to it when you run aground?  All experienced cruising sailors I have met have run aground.  What about the keel?  How is it attached to the boat?  Will it fall off like Simon Le Bon's "Drum" and leave you floundering upside down?

The Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 is a boat that has crossed the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico and parts of the Mediterranean and she's only 20 feet long.  Her rudder is protected by the keel and her keel cannot fall off because it's encapsulated in the hull mould.  The sea-cocks are solid bronze and properly installed and her rig is bulletproof.  She won't get you there fast but she'll get you there.

Check out this link for more information on the Flicka.

Flicka 20 Home Page

And for more about famous small boats and amazing small boat journeys check out these links.

Small Boat Cruising

Famous Small Boat List

If you still want a bigger boat then why not check out the Dana 24.  She is elegant, practical, sails like a jewel and is built to take the seas. Built by Pacific Seacraft.  Second hand Danas are excellent choices if you're looking for a good boat that will take you far.